Baby boomers not settling for 'retirement'

Leon and Carol St.Hilaire kick up their heels on the dance floor at Laguna Woods Baby Boomer's Club dance on Saturday. The boomers are moving in, to the dismay or delight of the current Greatest Generation residents.CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER

But then the first baby boomer turned 65 in January of 2011, and suddenly age isn't turning out to be as miserable as it was made out to be.

At least not for those embracing the opportunities age brings – like living in what were once known as "retirement villages."

Ross Cortese built two of them in Orange County in the early 1960s, dubbing them both "Leisure World," communities designed for people to "enjoy their golden years."

Eventually 10,000 people moved to Seal Beach Leisure World, while the Laguna Hills site, now known as Laguna Woods Village, became home to 18,000.

Although the average age is 75, almost 6,000 of Laguna Woods Village residents today are boomers, says Heather Rasmussen, spokeswoman for PMC, the management company. Fitness center hours have been extended to accommodate a generation that still works after the so-called retirement date. And Zumba classes have been added to programs that focused on more traditional exercise efforts.

Home prices are the big attraction, Realtor Gail Shapiro said. With places available for less than $200,000 and monthly fees averaging $550, Laguna Woods is drawing a new crowd, she said, including younger singles.

"It's the best retirement community on the West Coast," said Marshall Yagan, 62, who moved in with his wife two years ago. The Yagans moved from Calabasas to be closer to their children, and both continue to work part time.

A decision he describes as "very realistic" has left them worn out, he said. "We both get tired having a good time."

The good time is dominated by the Baby Boomer Club, which has drawn 450 members in less than four years. The club sponsors a social event monthly, usually a dance.

Gregg Weiner, president of the club, moved to Laguna Woods to help care for his mother, 86, already a resident.

"All of us boomers were kind of alone until the club formed," he said. "Now that (we) younger people are showing our faces, we expect others will join us living here."

An evening with the Baby Boomers becomes a major social event, as described by Carol St. Hilaire. Before going to the dance, for example, she and her husband, Leon, usually join friends for dinner.

Then there are the other 200-some clubs and activities in the community.

Leon and Carol St.Hilaire kick up their heels on the dance floor at Laguna Woods Baby Boomer's Club dance on Saturday. The boomers are moving in, to the dismay or delight of the current Greatest Generation residents. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER
Laguna Woods resident George Gaskins, 66, left, plays table tennis with Jim Stewart who was visiting his mother who recently moved into the 55-plus complex. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
Ron Hextall, 69, and Rosemary Kelley, 62, dance to the sounds of "Retro Station" at the Laguna Woods Boomer dance on Nov. 17. The boomers are moving in, to the dismay or delight of the current Greatest Generation residents. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER
Sam and Ruth Bidner cut a rug at the Laguna Woods Boomer dance on a recent Saturday evening. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER
Laguna Woods resident George Gaskins, 66, left, plays table tennis with other complex residents Susan Wu and John P. who is busy picking up balls, in the large table tennis room on a recent Sunday. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
Sam and Ruth Bidner having a blast at the Laguna Woods Boomer dance on a recent Saturday. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER
Gregg Weiner, president of the Baby Boomer's Club and Marshall Yagan. treasurer, from left, work the admissions table at the Boomer's Dance Club. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER
A bulletin board announces the monthly Baby Boomers Club dance at Laguna Woods where active adults frolic at clubs, golf courses, swimming pools and more. Boomers are changing the definition and direction of Laguna Woods. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER
Leon and Carol St.Hilaire cruise in their golf cart up to the Laguna Woods Baby Boomer's Club dance on Nov. 17. Boomers are changing the definition and direction of Laguna Woods. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER
Vice president of the Laguna Woods Baby Boomer's Club, Nancy Yagan, 62, left, chats with prospective Boomer's Dance Club member Nancy Lemire, also 62, at a recent Boomer's Club dance. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER
Phil and Nancy Doran dance to the sounds of "Retro Station" at the Laguna Woods Boomer dance on Nov. 17. Boomers are changing the definition and direction of Laguna Woods. CHRISTINE COTTER, FOR THE REGISTER
Laguna Woods resident George Gaskins, 66, center, and visitor Jim Stewart, 55, look at photos of winners of a recent table tennis tournament in the complex, which Gaskins competed in. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER
Laguna Woods resident George Gaskins, right, gives a goodbye fist bump to fellow complex resident 82-year-old Eileen Judkins and her son Jim Stewart who was visiting from the East Bay. After having worked with young folks as a probation officer for many years, Gaskins claims to be an authority on the cool way to give fist bumps. ARMANDO BROWN, FOR THE REGISTER

1 of

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.